12 Best Lobster Shacks in New England

As summer approaches, lobster shacks along New England’s coast start popping open, like flowers in bloom, for the short-yet-busy season. Connecticut-based travel writer Mike Urban, author of the book Lobster Shacks: A Road-Trip Guide to New England’s Best Lobster Joints (Countryman Press, 2012), dishes his choices for the 12 best lobster shacks in New England.

Photo/Art by Courtesy of Mike Urban

Five Island Lobsterhouse

Five Islands Lobster Co.
Located on a pier at the end of Route 127, Five Islands Lobster serves up some of the best cold-water, hard-shell lobster you’ll find anywhere. Throw in its award-winning fried clams and the shack’s magnificent view of Sheepscot Bay, and you’ll find it hard to leave. Georgetown, ME. 207-371-2990; fiveislandslobster.com

Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar
Touristy though it may seem, Arnold’s is the place to go for succulently steamed lobster on the Cape. Owner Nate Nickerson III keeps the lines moving while serving more than a thousand customers on most summer days: lobster rolls, of course, but also crab cakes topped with guacamole and summer salsa. Eastham, MA.508-255-2575; arnoldsrestaurant.com

Photo/Art by Brenda Darroch

Lobster comes with a great view at Chauncey Creek in Kittery Point, Maine. If you’re looking for an authentic lobster-in-the-rough experience, this is the seafood shack for you.

Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough
Abbott’s cooks its lobsters via the low-steaming method, in massive cast-iron vaults, to seal in all the crustaceans’ natural flavor. Dine next to the scenic harbor on a dock where striped bass feed on chowder crackers below. Abbott’s is also famous for its hot, buttery lobster roll–the version that’s a Connecticut original. Noank, CT. 860-536-7719; abbotts-lobster.com

The lobster roll at the Clam Shack in Kennebunkport, Maine, contains the freshly-picked meat from a 1lb lobster.

The Clam Shack
Don’t let the name fool you: There’s plenty of good lobster to be had at The Clam Shack. Owner Steve Kingston makes what may be the best lobster roll anywhere in his tiny riverside shack in downtown Kennebunkport. The lobster meat is picked fresh daily and kept ice-chilled until served on a toasted, lightly buttered burger bun. Kennebunkport, ME. 207-967-3321; theclamshack.net

Roy Moore Lobster Company
This may be the friendliest lobster shack anywhere. Housed in a diminutive shingled building on Rockport’s Bearskin Neck waterfront, Roy Moore Lobster cooks its crustaceans continuously throughout the day, so there’s rarely a wait for a fresh-cooked meal. Start with owner Ken Porter’s thick, creamy clam chowder, and dine atop wooden lobster crates on the crowded yet friendly back deck. Rockport, MA. 978-546-6696

Photo/Art by Aimee Seavey

Brown’s Lobster Pound has been serving up fresh boiled lobster for more than 50 years.

Brown’s Lobster Pound
Perched over the tidal Blackwater River near Seabrook’s inviting beach, Brown’s has been serving up fresh boiled lobster for more than 50 years. The timber-frame dining hall is a great place to feast on lobsters, fried clams, lobster rolls, and creamy, spicy lobster bisque. The summer sunsets off the back deck are not to be missed. Seabrook, NH. 603-474-3331; brownslobsterpound.com

Author:

Mike Urban

Biography:

Mike Urban is an award-winning food and travel writer, book editor and packager, and former vice president and associate publisher of the Globe Pequot Press. He has written three books on New England: Clam Shacks: The Ultimate Guide to New England’s Most Fantastic Seafood Eateries; Lobster Shacks: A Road-Trip Guide to New England’s Best Lobster Joints; and The New England Diner Cookbook: Classic and Creative Recipes from the Finest Roadside Eateries. Mike lives in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, with his wife, Ellen, and their four children.
Connect with Mike Urban on LinkedIn!

I live right down the street. Not to be a jerk, but it’s “Bayley’s” (just in case anyone would want to look it up). Awesome lobster roll box lunches, haddock chowder, and outdoor bar (“The Bait Shed Bar.)” Great service. Steamers, oysters, etc. No, I don’t work there – I just go a lot.

Wow… What a great list… I’m from Louisiana and love our crawfish BUT Lobsta is awesome… Been to over half of the mentioned spots ( and many many more not mentioned) and have never met a lobsta I didn’t love… Have fun out there checking out your favorites!!!! Randy

I hate these reviews where they send tourits to places that are not “local”. hahaha
Thanks for letting us know. It’s not about being “famous”, it’s about being local ANG GOOD!.
Just like in Maine, don’t go to Red’s Eat, go to places like a local fisheman in Damariscotta (93 Elm Street). He has the best lobster roll you can find, and also the freshest live lobsters. Places like this is where tourists should go…not a “famous” place where the rolls are not even good.

Geez, I live in Brunswick Maine and I am not even sure I have heard of the Crabby Lobster… Is that the food truck that only started service last year? If so, I can’t blame the writer for only include proven establishments that have been around for a while. FWIW, I think this is one of the best lists I’ve seen in a while insofar as Maine is concerned. They resisted to temptation to put the tourist trap Red’s on it. Yay!

Because Reds is a tourist trap. Where you might have to stand in line for 30-45 minutes smelling car exhaust. Locals and others in the know bypass Red’s and go to places like Five Islands, where you get a million dollar view.

Traditionalist….I do NOT consider hot lobster when it comes to lobster rolls. Just cold lobster, celery, Seidner’s mayo and a dash of thyme. There is a variation I enjoyed recently in Maryland. Same recipe, but with Old Bay seasoning. Not bad.

Jim (whoever you are)… If you LOVE lobster, there isn’t any way to serve it that you can’t love. I grew up in New England and have gone to all corners of the six (6) New England states and have had the most wonderful lobster cooked and eaten hot or cold. There is just no way to prepare and serve lobster that isn’t FANTASTIC… (except maybe raw). I just turned 78 and I am a lobster lover!

If you really want to know where to eat Local , Fresh Lobster…ask the Locals! Perkins Cove Lobster Pound in Ogunquit sells Lobster, caught fresh daily by the Owner/Operator Josh Audet. Josh has been Lobstering since he was a young man with his Grandfather Wayne Perkins. The Lobster comes straight off the boat in Perkins Cove and goes right to the Lobster Pound in Perkins Parking Lot. The Lobster Pound offers delivery to your Hotel,Motel or house if you are in Ogunquit. If you would like to eat there…there are a couple of picnic tables and they will cook them for you! If interested…Lobster can be packed to travel with advanced notice and depending on availability. Go to: Perkins Cove Lobster Pound.com and check them out. Thank You, Mary Ellen Smith

Who can forget about lobster landing in clinton CT. I am shocked that it did not make the list. Lobster landing has been in the national geographic time and time again. This small shack is a new england landmark.

One of the timeless questions, without any specific answer. Who has the best cheese steak in Philly, or who has the best NY pizza. Everyone has their favorites, so you really can’t choose. Besides everyone knows the best lobster rolls are made in Maine; specifically Harraseeket Lobster Pound, or Beckey’s.

What about the little restaurant at Two Lights in ME or Jake’s in Ossipee NH or Barbara’s in Conway NH. They are all great. Went to Brown’s once because it was on one of the shows on Travel Channel and showed a huge lobster roll. It was a normal size roll with about 1/2 cup of lobster.

How can anybody say “oh this place is the best” or “nobody compares to this place”! Unless you have tried all of these places listed, it is just sheer opinion! That’s why the dang list is given, 12 best shacks….go try them and THEN form an opinion!!

Bob Lobster–absolutely! Great lobster, agreed to best clams on the North Shore and to-die-for lobster-corn chowder. Gorgeous sunset views over the marsh. And, less expensive than anywhere else. Great lobster roll for 12 bucks.

PJ’s Pub in Westboro, MA has had the best Lobster Roll ever.. At least two tails 4-5 fullclaws knuckles and body meat no fillers… in a nisson roll with fries or slaw … best part less than 15 bucks…You need a knife and fork to eat it oh ya also a large half sour pickle to go with it

I have lived in Austin, TX for 20 years. Every summer I yearn for a real true lobster roll to no hope without a plane ticket. But now we have Garbo’s….which is the real deal flown in from the family’s pound in NH and served up in an authentic way from a street truck. It’s not NE in the summer, but it helps transport me there. Now if there was only a clam shack….

Really? Lobster here in Austin? I’m from NE and was thinking no lobster for me this summer! Wow! I’ll check it out! Quality Seafood has lobster on Sat for $30 but the water they cook it in isn’t salt water and maybe new water isn’t even used for each individual lobster. It’s still 1-1/4 though… pretty good size!

I have lived in RI for 53 years. When I was a kid Aunt Carries was the place to go. For the past 10 years, it has gone from bad to disgusting. The chowder is like dish water and the clam cakes might have one clam in it and also is almost always raw inside. I will never eat there again. Too many other great places in RI. Crows Nest, Harborside, Iggys ect.

When I was a kid (I’m in my 70’s now) my grandfather and other relatives lived in Guilford. We lived in Milford but would come to the Little Stone House on special occasions. Loved their food We also went to Bernice’s(?) just down the road. I live in California and there are no places to compare with New England lobster. Miss it so much!

I know that times does change things, and I’m sorry to hear about Abbotts. But back when I went there almost 40 years ago, it might have had a different name, and it was only two small buildings, and the most memorable lobster roll I have ever enjoyed to date. Sad.

I haven’t yet tried the Beach Plum in North Hampton, MA. Will have to do so on my next visit back.

However, COASTAL LIVING MAGAZINE and Yahoo mentioned Al’s Seafood on Rte. 1-A (Lafayette Road) in North Hampton, NH, as one of the best seafood places on any US Coast (Atlantic, Gulf or Pacific). My late aunt said it had great seafood, but it was a bit primitive for my elderly aunt’s tastes.

The Copper Lantern, “across the street” from Al’s is great too. Great seafood at great prices, including Fried Clam rolls.

I am reluctant to mention my personal favorite, as I don’t want it crowded when I visit there this summer. It is the Airport Café, just off Rte. 1-A, in North Hampton, NH. The Lobster Rolls are fabulous and the price is as well. The décor is “early aviation” and has to be seen to be enjoyed.

If you’re in the mood for breakfast (they’re open from 6 or 7 AM until 2 PM) they have wonderful Blueberry Pancakes loaded with fresh blueberries. Can’t wait to get back there from my home in CA.

BEST ROLLS IN MAINE … Joe Lane Lobsterman on Elm Street -Damariscotta.
Hidden place where only locals know about it. The tourists go crazy when the find this place. It’s unbelievable. They have different rolls like Tomato basil Mayo; lime Cilantro, grilled cheese, lobster BLT … and the traditional of course.
Can’t wait to go back there. So lucky I meet a local that showed me this place.

I have read all the above reviews for the past couple of months. I am a seafood foodie from Washington, D.C. planning a trip north in October. I as having a difficult time deciding on a good location to visit to get the most bang for my buck for an excellent variety of seafood but primarily LOBSTER and OYSTERS. My husband and I are open to any and all suggestions but no tourist traps, we want to eat with the locals. I originally planned on Cape Cod, MA but now I’m having second thoughts. HELP!!

Nobody has mentioned Libby’s Market in Brunswick, ME. A small mom-and-pop convenience store, with the most unbelievable lobster roll we have ever had, and we have been going to Maine for thirty years! Really fresh lobster, as the owner is a lobsterman. Unexpected and unbeatable.

Every year we make a trip Miller’s Coop. in South Thomaston just down the road from Waterman’s. Family run nice and clean. Great Lobster and home made pies Eat at a picnic table outside or undercover. Beautiful scenery and watch them get their lobster boats ready for the next day. We are from central Maine and we enjoy Miller’s!

Oh, to go to Maine, if only I could. All year, in Chicago, I pine for lobster and clams in New England. But I still only manage to get as far as Boston and Cape Cod. I see the one Cape Cod lobster shack got panned by single women, which I am. So where do the locals go? And also, where is good in Boston? Some day, I’ll get to Maine again, but not soon enough.

My husband’s sub was in dry dock at Portsmouth, NH thirty two years ago. I loved a place in Kittery Pointe, Maine, Captain Simeon’s. We drove up in 1991 after moving back to Pennsylvania and unfortunately chose the day it was closed. I can’t seem to find it on line. Does anyone know what happened to it? Being from Pennsylvania, I loved that the meal was five or six dollars. It was clean and charming, too, right on the bay off Rt. 1.

Captain Scott’s in New London, CT has been our to go to seafood place for the last 7 years, at least. Yes, forget Abbotts. You can get a lobster dinner, 1 1/4 pds, corn on the cob, baby potatoes, cole slaw, and New England clam chowder for around $25! Oysters, shrimp, mussels, and steamers are available. And if you want a hot dog, they have them too! Entertainment on the weekends!

Someone mentioned Bob’s on Plum Island road. I had a lobster roll yesterday there and it was very small and the lobster meat was not fresh. This review didn’t mention the Clam Box in Ipswich which has awesome food and is know around the country. Also J T Farnhams in Essex has the Best fried seafood in Essex. Just ask the locals. Also the Food Network did a challenge between Farnhams and Woodmans and Farnhams won with superior food. The trophy is sitting right on the counter where you order your food. Locals do not go to Woodmans. The food is only so so with rather small portions and is very over priced. Also you have to buy tartar sauce there. It’s the only place in the world that i have been where they sell you a condiment after buying a $31 clam plate which is the current price.

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